A Community Rally against the proposed mule deer eradication will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 19, at People’s Park, across from Avalon City Hall, according to an online flyer bearing the logo of the Coalition Against the Slaughter of Catalina Deer. The event is described as family-friendly, featuring information booths, letter-writing stations, kids’ crafts, music and free food.
This past Sunday, another protest against the plan to kill the Island’s deer population greeted boat passengers arriving in Avalon. A New York Times journalist was apparently among the arriving visitors.
The Conservancy has argued that the removal of the deer is necessary to restore the Island’s eco-system. Opponents argue that the deer eradication is cruel.
The City Council recently approved an ordinance, set to go into effect 30 days from Nov. 7, which will prohibit the feeding, luring, poisoning, capturing, or hunting of deer within the city limits.
As of 10:21 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 16, an online petition to “Stop the Slaughter of Mule Deer on Catalina Island” has gathered 13,612 signatures. The petition was posted by the Coalition.
Meanwhile, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife is still reviewing the Catalina Island Conservancy’s application for a permit to eradicate the Island’s deer population.
“No decision has been made yet. The timeline remains up in the air,” wrote Jordan Traverso, deputy director of Communications, Education and Outreach for DFW.
The Islander has obtained a copy of the Conservancy’s original application and is reviewing the contents.
“But please note that I understand discussions have taken place since this permit was submitted that possibly make it not current. This is just what was submitted on 8/9,” wrote Traverso.
Trasavro raised concerns about the safety of the people identified by name in the document.
“This application addresses a habitat restoration effort and we understand the controversy, but in NO WAY are threats to the applicants or their families acceptable. What we have already seen is very concerning. I hope you will use discretion and help quell that disconcerting sentiment from some members of the public,” wrote Traverso.
